Hot Topics:

Improving our children's health

By Paula Buser

Posted:
05/02/2012 09:57:53 AM MDT

Paula Buser

Summer is just around the corner, the days have gotten warmer and longer and school is just about out. What a great time to revisit the subject of childhood obesity and the things we can do as a community to advance the health and wellness of our children (as well as adults).

As we all know, in the past 30 years, the rate of childhood obesity has more than tripled in children between the ages of 6 and 11. This increase is associated with an increase in chronic illnesses, Type II diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, respiratory problems and some cancers. The health of adults continues to deteriorate, as well.

Developing and sustaining programs and lifestyles within our community, at school and at home are the most effective action we can take to advance the health of our children and reverse the obesity trend.

Improve Food Available at School, Home and Community Events -- Year-round availability of tasty and nutritious food is a critical component of a healthy environment. In order for children to choose healthier food options (and they will), they must have access to them.

Increase Physical Activity -- Helping children become more physically active is essential. Exercise is one of best defenses against increasing rates of obesity and related diseases. It is even more effective when it is combined with good nutrition. Visit smallstep.gov to find 169 "small steps" you can take to incorporate physical activity into your day -- whether on vacation or at home or work.

Advertisement

Teach Good Nutrition -- Children who are taught the principles of good nutrition are more likely to make healthy food choices. Information is power when it comes to choosing what we eat. Too many children are overfed yet undernourished. The schools have been working hard to teach and provide good nutrition and parents need to do the same. The website www.choose

myplate.gov is a great resource to teach our children about proper nutrition and physical activity.

Practice Adult Wellness -- Adults are children's most important role models. How adults take care of themselves can make a big impression on children. Attention to adult wellness improves the chances that children will follow suit. Lead by example.

Engage Everyone -- It is hard for any one party to change children's exercise and eating habits. Schools, parents, other caregivers and community members must work together and support each other in their efforts to improve the health and wellness of our children.

We urgently need to make childhood health and fitness a top priority in our community, and I hope these simple tips will help to pave the road to success. We owe it to ourselves and our children to make a commitment to "Eat Right, Live Right," and there is no better time than now to start.